A Guide to Head Checking: Staying Safe on the Road

G'day! Driving down our great Aussie roads isn't just about getting from A to B—it's about doing it safely and smartly. While your mirrors give you a pretty good view, they can't show you everything. That's where the head check, or shoulder check, comes in. It's a dead-easy move that can make a big difference in preventing bingles and keeping everyone safe.

⭐️ What Are Blind Spots?

Blind spots are those pesky areas around your car that you can't see in your mirrors. Every car's got them, and they can hide other cars, cyclists, or pedestrians. If you’re relying only on your mirrors, you might miss something crucial, especially when changing lanes or merging.

 ⭐️ What is a Head Check?

A head check involves turning your head to quickly look over your shoulder to make sure there’s nothing in your blind spot. It’s a quick and easy way to double-check that the coast is clear before making a move.

⭐️ Why Head Checking is Important

1. **Boosts Safety**: Spotting those hidden dangers helps you avoid prangs.

2. **Works with Mirrors**: Mirrors are great, but head checks give you the full picture.

3. **It’s the Law**: In many places, head checking is part of the driving test and required by law. Skipping it can lead to fines.

4. **Prevents Accidents**: Many accidents happen because drivers miss something in their blind spot. Head checks help prevent this.

⭐️ How to Do a Head Check

A simple acronym to help you get by: SMS - *signal, mirrors, spot*

1. **Signal Your Intentions**: Always use your indicators to let others know you’re about to change lanes or merge.

2. **Mirrors**: Check them! Check your rear vision mirror and the side mirror (if you're turning left, check the left side mirror) to build up a picture of what is around you.

3. **Check your Spot**: Quickly glance over your shoulder in the direction you want to move to check your blind spot.

If all those come up without finding anything to give way or react to, then you can commence your move.

⭐️Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. **Skipping Head Checks**: Don’t just rely on your mirrors—always do a head check.

2. **Turning Too Slowly**: Keep the head check quick so you don’t take your eyes off the road ahead for too long.

3. **Trusting Tech Too Much**: Blind-spot monitors are handy, but they’re not foolproof. Manual head checks are still essential.

4. **Inconsistent Practice**: Make head checking a regular habit to ensure you’re always driving safely.

Want to learn how to effectively do these checks? Book now through the Book A Lesson tab